Shanghai's cityscape shrouded in smog.
The thick air pollution in the financial hub on Monday comes just days after the capital Beijing reported the worst air quality ever recorded there.
On Shanghai's historic waterfront, those eager for a spectacular view of the city's skyscrapers were sorely disappointed.
Many were wearing face masks to filter the air.
Hospitals across the country reported sharp increases in the number of patients with respiratory complaints last week.
One mother said she wasn't taking any chances with her son as they left the hospital.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) A MOTHER MEI HAIQIONG SAYING:
"The weather forecast said there would be air pollution, and my child has had allergies since he was little. He's already caught a slight cough from the cold weather, so we're taking preventative measures, and he's wearing a mask. I'm doing the same."
A public outcry over the smog has been accompanied by unprecedented coverage by Chinese media in a show of transparency rare for the tightly-controlled country.
China's premier-to-be Li Keqiang has added his voice to appeals to curb the toxic haze.
It's the first time a member of the ruling Communist Party's top circle of leaders has addressed the record levels of pollution.